Ukes come in various sizes – the most widely available size is the soprano ukulele (which is very tiny – but what most people think of when they here “ukulele”).

I’m not a big fan of soprano ukuleles as replacement for beginner guitars because they are just too small.

On the other hand – Concert ukes are great. They’re smaller than a guitar – but close enough that when you child gets a little bigger, the transition to guitar will be fairly natural.

Note about guitars for kids: I suggest either going to a music store and trying a guitar out (and then buying online – it’s usually cheaper). Or make sure the online retailer has a good return policy.

Sizing guitars for kids can be tricky. Just because a guitar says “child sized guitar” doesn’t mean that it will fit your child.

Having said that, the three models recommended above have served my guitar students very well and will likely serve your child pretty well too.

How do I Teach my Child Guitar?

Ok.

Now the hard part.

If you don’t already play the guitar it can be tricky – but not impossible – to teach your child guitar.

Here are the best kids guitar resources (from most expensive to least expensive).

Face-to-Face Kids Guitar Lessons

Obviously private guitar lessons will do the best job of teaching your child guitar.

But they’re the most expensive and least convenient.

I’ve found that teachers who travel to your home are generally worth the price of lessons (especially for kids).

Having a child learn to play guitar in their home does a few things:

Keeps the lessons in a comfortable environment

Keeps the guitar available in the home (as opposed to packing and unpacking for travel)

Maintains a high level of convenience on parents

The downside is that these lessons are usually more expensive.

There is an alternative…

Online Video Guitar Lessons

Online video lessons can be a great supplement or even substitution for a motivated guitar player.

The bad news is that I haven’t found a decent online video lesson series for kids.

Even the lessons geared towards kids aren’t that great.

Here’s why: Kids need interaction and feedback when learning to play the guitar.

Since there is a physical aspect of playing the guitar it’s necessary for an instructor (whether that’s a parent or teacher) to provide feedback and reinforcement, as well as confirmation that the student playing correctly.

It’s just to easy to pick up bad habits and techniques if a child is left to their own devices.

Fortunately, there are very good online resources that parents can use.

A Word of Warning…

Warning Number 1

I know the price tag looks nice, but if you’re spending less than $50 on a new guitar, you’re wasting your money.

I know you’re thinking: “But it’s just a child sized guitar” or “I don’t know if my kid will stick with it” or “what if my child breaks the guitar?”

I get it.

But trust me: these toy “guitars” are very difficult to play.

They don’t stay in tune, they’re hard for little fingers to manipulate, and they sound terrible.

Any one of those factors is enough to get a kid to quit guitar before they even start.

Warning number 2

You are not a guitar teacher.

Let me tell you a little story.

I teach (and have taught) tons of kids under the age of 6.

It can be a challenge – but it can be done.

I also have a 5 year old daughter.

I have tried to teach her ukulele.

While we were slightly successful – she was able to play – it was very different to teach her (compared to my students).

It’s a parent thing I guess.

It can be done – it should be tried – but it may be tough.

My best advice would be to exercise patience and understanding….

…and ultimately sign them up for guitar lessons (or even JamPlay) if they’re serious about learning.

That’s it! Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!

(Jake Posko does Online Guitar Lessons and Coaching as well as in-home lessons in the Annapolis, Maryland area including: Annapolis, Edgewater, Severna Park, Pasadena, Crownsville, Arnold and Kent Island, inquire about lessons by e-mailing him at jake@jakeposko.com).